Here are the questions we hear most from neighbors about immigration and how the city responds.

Q: Is Salt Lake City a sanctuary city?

A: No, Salt Lake City is not a “sanctuary city.” However, Salt Lake City is committed to maintaining public safety for all people, regardless of immigration or citizenship status. The City has long been the front door of the state, protecting the rights of all people to speak out and peacefully protest any issue, including those involving all levels of government. The City has stood with and welcomed immigrants since its inception and will continue to uphold these values. This is exemplified in the programs we run, the way we police, the community-level investments we fund, and more.

Q: Does the Salt Lake City Police Department collaborate with the Department of Homeland Security or ICE? If so, under what circumstances?

A: The SLCPD does not collaborate on immigration enforcement actions with DHS or ICE. We do partner with federal agencies on certain public safety actions. For example, the Project Safe Neighborhoods partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, or when federal agencies request our assistance in apprehending those who are suspected of violent crimes, like rape, trafficking, gang activity or murder. This type of collaboration is, and will continue to be, important in our effort to keep our city as safe as possible. People committing violent crime in our community should be held accountable, no matter their citizenship status.

Q: What authority does the City have regarding ICE? 

A: The City does not have authority over ICE because ICE is a federal agency. The City’s role is to maintain public safety for all people, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. The City can and does require any outside agency to have proper warrants to enter non-public spaces on City property.   

Q: Does the Salt Lake City Police Department check immigration status?

A: No. When SLC officers respond to a call for service or arrest an individual for suspicion of a crime, that individual’s immigration status does not factor into how our officers handle a situation.

Q: Does Salt Lake City have a 287(g) agreement in place?

A: No, Salt Lake City does not have a 287(g) agreement. There are other cities and counties in Utah that do. These are voluntary agreements that local law enforcement can enter into with the federal government that give the local law enforcement power to enforce federal immigration laws. 

Q: What rights do I have during an ICE encounter?

A: Please refer to the following informational websites to better understand your rights: Utah Immigrant Advocacy Coalition. American Immigration Lawyers Association and Know Your Rights Resources.

Q: Is it safe for students and their parents to be at school?

A: Please contact the Salt Lake City School administration or the individual school. The SLC District has put together a list of frequently asked questions for the community.

Q: What can I do to help people affected by the current immigration climate?

A: Salt Lake City and the metro area have many nonprofits and agencies working with refugee and immigrant community members. Here is a list.

Q: Do you have any data on how many people in Salt Lake City are at risk of being detained and/or deported?

A: No. Salt Lake City does not have that information.

Q: Are judicial warrants required for ICE to access city-held information or facilities?

A: Yes.